Arriving late to work: Ronnie Stanley is expected to be re-signed by the Ravens “in the coming days.”

In the NFL, the offseason is always filled with anticipation, decisions, and strategic maneuvers, especially for teams looking to retool their roster and position themselves for a successful season. One of the most important decisions the Baltimore Ravens will make this offseason is whether to re-sign their star left tackle, Ronnie Stanley, who is entering the final year of his contract. Stanley, a former No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, has been a critical part of the Ravens’ offensive line for several years. But with injuries having slowed his career in recent seasons, Baltimore is faced with a critical decision about his future.

The Ravens have always valued a strong offensive line, and Stanley has been a key player in protecting their quarterbacks, particularly Lamar Jackson. Given the Ravens’ championship aspirations, the decision to re-sign Stanley, or potentially move on from him, will have a significant impact on the team’s future. As the Ravens look to solidify their roster, the news of Ronnie Stanley potentially re-signing “in the coming days” signals a crucial moment in the team’s offseason, and it is expected to have long-lasting ramifications for the Ravens’ offensive line and overall offensive production.

Ronnie Stanley’s Impact on the Ravens’ Offensive Line

Since being drafted in 2016, Ronnie Stanley has established himself as one of the league’s premier left tackles. A key component of the Ravens’ offensive success, Stanley has been essential in providing protection for the team’s quarterbacks, including Lamar Jackson. The left tackle position is one of the most important on the field, and Stanley’s ability to protect Jackson’s blindside has been vital for the offense’s success. Over the years, Stanley has been recognized as one of the best in the business, earning Pro Bowl honors and All-Pro selections. His athleticism, technique, and football IQ make him a key cog in the Ravens’ offensive machine.

However, injuries have been a significant issue for Stanley in recent years. After undergoing ankle surgery in 2020, he was sidelined for much of the 2021 season. This injury, combined with other lingering issues, has caused some uncertainty about Stanley’s long-term future with the Ravens. Despite these concerns, when healthy, Stanley remains one of the most talented left tackles in the league.

In 2023, Stanley showed that when he is on the field and healthy, he still possesses the skill set to perform at a high level. The challenge for the Ravens has been keeping Stanley healthy enough to contribute consistently. While the team has certainly benefited from his presence in the lineup, the injuries have raised some questions about whether he can be relied upon to stay healthy for an entire season moving forward.

The Contract Situation: Will the Ravens Re-Sign Stanley?

As of 2025, Ronnie Stanley is entering the final year of his contract, which has created a significant talking point for the Ravens’ front office. With the Ravens being a team focused on building through the draft and developing their own players, keeping a star player like Stanley is a priority. However, his injury history and current cap situation are factors that must be carefully weighed when making the decision to re-sign him.

At the heart of this decision is Stanley’s current contract. When he signed his extension with the Ravens in 2019, it made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL at the time. His contract was a landmark deal, ensuring that he would remain with the Ravens for the long haul, as they valued him as a cornerstone of their offensive line. However, given his injury struggles in recent years, some have questioned whether it is wise for the Ravens to extend Stanley again or look elsewhere for a more reliable option.

The Financial Implications: What’s at Stake for Baltimore?

In addition to the injury concerns, the Ravens must consider the financial implications of re-signing Ronnie Stanley. As one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the league, Stanley’s contract carries a significant cap hit. With the Ravens consistently working under a tight salary cap, the decision to re-sign Stanley could limit their flexibility in other areas, such as addressing other positions of need.

Baltimore’s salary cap situation has often been a source of challenges, especially given the franchise’s ongoing negotiations with quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has also been seeking a long-term deal. The Ravens’ front office must carefully balance the need to retain Stanley with the broader financial picture, including decisions about other key players, potential free-agent signings, and their draft strategy. While Stanley is undeniably an elite player when healthy, committing long-term financial resources to him will have consequences elsewhere on the roster.

One possibility the Ravens could explore is restructuring Stanley’s deal in order to lower his cap hit for the upcoming season. This could involve converting some of his base salary into a signing bonus or reworking the terms of his contract to free up more space for other moves. However, any restructured contract would still carry risk, especially considering the injury history that has clouded Stanley’s reliability in recent seasons.

What Would Re-Signing Stanley Mean for the Ravens?

Re-signing Ronnie Stanley would provide the Ravens with stability and continuity on their offensive line, particularly at the crucial left tackle position. Despite the injuries, Stanley has shown that when healthy, he is still among the best in the league at his position. Keeping Stanley would allow the Ravens to maintain a strong offensive line, which is essential for protecting Lamar Jackson and establishing a productive running game.

With J.K. Dobbins in the backfield and Lamar Jackson continuing to be one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL, a solid offensive line is critical for Baltimore’s offensive success. Stanley’s ability to protect Jackson’s blindside would continue to be a key component of their offensive game plan. A healthy and productive Stanley would also provide the Ravens with the confidence to continue developing their offense, knowing that they have a reliable left tackle in place to protect their quarterback for years to come.

Additionally, re-signing Stanley would send a positive message to the rest of the team. It would demonstrate that the Ravens are committed to keeping their top talent and building a competitive roster. The Ravens have always prided themselves on their ability to build through the draft, and keeping a homegrown player like Stanley would reinforce the team’s culture of player development and continuity.

What Happens if the Ravens Don’t Re-Sign Stanley?

If the Ravens decide against re-signing Stanley, they will be faced with a significant void at left tackle. Losing Stanley would create a massive hole on the offensive line, and the Ravens would have to explore alternative options through free agency or the draft. While the team has some young talent along the offensive line, none of them have the pedigree or experience to replace Stanley at left tackle immediately.

If the Ravens move on from Stanley, they would likely have to target a new left tackle in the draft or explore the free-agent market for an experienced replacement. However, finding a reliable left tackle who can step in and perform at a high level is no easy task, especially in a draft that may not have a clear-cut top prospect at the position. The free-agent market for left tackles is also relatively thin, with few players who could immediately fill Stanley’s shoes.

The Ravens would also have to address the ripple effect that losing Stanley would have on the rest of the offensive line. Stanley’s presence allows other players along the line to slide into more natural positions, with Morgan Moses and Tyler Linderbaum benefiting from Stanley’s stability. If the Ravens are forced to replace Stanley, it could create a domino effect that impacts the cohesion and effectiveness of the entire line.

The Timeline: When Can We Expect a Decision?

Given the Ravens’ need to clear cap space and make critical roster decisions, the timeline for re-signing Stanley could unfold in the coming days. The front office is likely already in discussions with Stanley’s camp regarding his future with the team. This decision is not one the Ravens will take lightly, as they understand the significance of having a premier left tackle to protect their quarterback.

While there are still many moving parts—most notably Lamar Jackson’s contract situation—Baltimore is expected to make a decision about Stanley soon. The Ravens have expressed a desire to keep Stanley long-term, but they must also ensure that they are financially positioned to do so. With the team entering the offseason and preparing for the 2025 season, securing Stanley’s future with the team would help stabilize the offensive line and give the coaching staff confidence going into training camp.